Creating a Table of Contents from TOC Fields

Word allows you to create a table of contents using your own TOC specifications. You do this by first inserting TOC fields in your document (as described in the previous tip) and then compiling the actual TOC. To compile the TOC, follow these steps:

1. Position the insertion point where you want the TOC inserted.
2. Display the Index and Tables dialog box. You do this in Word 97 or Word 2000 by choosing Index and Tables from the Insert menu. In Word 2002 or Word 2003 you choose Reference from the Insert menu, then choose Index and Tables. If you are using Word 2007 you display the References tab of the ribbon and then click Table of Contents in the Table of Contents group. Word displays a drop-down list from which you should choose Insert Table of Contents. (Note that in Word 2007 the dialog box is titled Table of Contents.)
3. Make sure the Table of Contents tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Click on the Options button. Word displays the Table of Contents Options dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Make sure the Table Entry Fields check box is selected (at the bottom of the dialog box).
6. Click on OK to close the Table of Contents Options dialog box.
7. Click on OK to generate your TOC.